Future-Proofing Graduates: International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon as a Catalyst for Global Mobility through the Ausbildung Program in Germany
Cirebon, June 25, 2024 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) continues to strengthen its commitment to global graduate readiness by introducing the Ausbildung Program from Germany as a strategic pathway for international career development. Led by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., this initiative reflects UINSSC’s broader vision to position its students within the global workforce through structured, high-impact programs. An internal coordination session was recently held, gathering 20 selected students from five faculties, namely the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK), the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEBI), the Faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Communication (FDKI), the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Humanities (FUA), and the Faculty of Sharia (FASYA). These students are considered high-potential candidates for the university’s future global engagement programs. In attendance were key institutional stakeholders, including Wahyono, M.Pd.I, Director of the Career Development Center, alongside members of the Global Engagement Team (GET). This internal discussion signifies UINSSC's proactive stance in equipping its students with tools to access international labor markets.
Opening the session, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. provided an in-depth overview of the objectives and underlying vision of the Ausbildung Germany 2025 initiative. He began by contextualizing the program within the broader needs of the German labor market and the global demand for vocational skills. According to him, students must adopt a holistic perspective when considering international opportunities. He emphasized that financial incentives should not be the sole motivation for participation. “While the Ausbildung provides a decent salary and strong career outcomes, this initiative is fundamentally about building discipline, commitment, and a collaborative spirit,” Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. explained, encouraging students to internalize the values that align with global professionalism and personal development.
The core value of the Ausbildung Program lies in its structured dual-vocational approach, combining classroom-based theoretical learning with on-the-job professional training. This duality, supported by the German federal government, is designed to address global industry demands while equipping students with market-ready competencies. By adopting this framework, UINSSC affirms its alignment with international standards of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Moreover, the program enables equitable access for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including both KIP-Kuliah scholarship recipients and non-scholarship students, ensuring that economic limitations do not hinder global career aspirations. This reflects a wider educational philosophy that values both excellence and inclusivity as fundamental elements in global graduate preparation.
Mr. Wahyono, as the Director of Career Development Center, addressed the strategic potential of the Ausbildung Program in transforming students’ professional trajectories. In his view, the program represents a paradigm shift in how universities prepare students for the global workforce, prioritizing flexibility, adaptability, and international exposure. He advocated for the optimization of KIP-Kuliah funds toward high-impact programs such as Ausbildung, emphasizing the return on investment for long-term success. “This is not just a mobility program; it is a career-launching mechanism. The flexibility of Ausbildung allows students to pursue jobs that may not align directly with their academic majors, opening a broader spectrum of global career options,” he noted, framing the initiative as an essential bridge between formal education and dynamic labor markets.
The internal discussion also served as a platform to align institutional strategies in supporting students throughout the Ausbildung process. They emphasized that participants are expected to achieve a B1 to B2 level in German language proficiency prior to departure. UINSSC will coordinate preparatory programs, language training, and administrative support to ensure students meet all requirements efficiently. This reflects the university's integrated approach to preparing students for cross-border career mobility. By doing so, UINSSC enhances its reputation as an institution committed to producing graduates who are both academically competent and globally competitive. The team also highlighted the long-term benefits of participating in the Ausbildung Program, including sustainable career prospects and intercultural skill development.
In summary, the launch of the Ausbildung sharing session represents more than just the dissemination of program information, it marks a bold institutional commitment to transforming the future of its students. Through this initiative, the International Office of UINSSC not only facilitates cross-cultural exchange but also establishes concrete channels for professional integration in one of the world’s leading industrial economies. By aligning its academic resources, human capital, and global vision, the university positions itself as a regional leader in international vocational advancement. Concluding the session, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. reaffirmed the university’s vision by stating, “This is not the end goal, but the beginning of a long journey, one where our students are expected to rise, not only as professionals but as cultural ambassadors representing the values of UINSSC abroad.
Authors: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir and Resa Diah Gayatri